Tali’s Vocal Studio Policies and Procedures
Welcome!
Thank you for choosing to study music with me! As a teaching artist, my goal is to provide high-quality music education through private voice lessons.
Studio Mission
At Tali’s Vocal Studio, I strive to provide a safe, positive, and inspiring environment that fosters creativity, builds confidence, and nurtures a lifelong love of music.
To ensure that every student receives the best experience, I reserve time to carefully plan each lesson. By participating in my program, you agree to the following policies. Please sign and return this document prior to your first lesson.
Thank you,
Natalie “Tali” Rutkin
Payment & Scheduling
Fees & Payment
- 30-Minute Private Lesson: $50
- 45-Minute Private Lesson: $75
- 60-Minute Private Lesson: $100
Billing:
- Billing occurs on the 1st of each month for all lessons scheduled during that month. Payment is due upon receipt. There is an option to set up automatic payments through the My Music Staff Portal.
- If you know in advance which dates will not work for the following month, please let me know the week prior so I can try to make any necessary adjustments to the schedule.
Payment:
- Lessons should be paid at least 24 hours in advance. If payment has not been received, I will reach out to arrange payment to ensure either your or your child’s lesson remains on the schedule. Please note that if payment is not completed, the lesson time may be released to another student.
- Fees may be increased yearly, whereby I will provide you ample notice.
Cancellations:
- Always notify me of your absence in advance! This will allow me to offer your session to another singer who is hoping for a time to open up in my schedule.
- A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is preferred for all cancellations. If you know further in advance, more notice is appreciated.
- Any cancellation made within 24 hours of the scheduled lesson, or a no-show, will be charged the full lesson fee. Missed lessons are still charged in full, as the fee covers the time reserved for you.
- If a student accumulates more than six missed or late-cancelled sessions within a calendar year, Tali’s Vocal Studio reserves the right to terminate the lesson agreement.
- Health note: Please cancel your lesson if you are sick or have been exposed to someone who is sick. Singing while hoarse, in pain, or ill not only puts your own voice at risk but also exposes the teacher and other students to illness.
- “No Singing” Voice Lessons:
Sometimes students may be under the weather or need vocal rest but are still able to participate in a lesson via Zoom. During these “No Singing Voice Lessons,” we focus on important aspects of a singer’s development that do not require singing, such as music theory, rhythm reading, lyric interpretation, artistry, exploring new music, or discussing performance examples. If a student is unwell but able to learn, online lessons are encouraged so we can continue to grow and make progress together. - Teacher Cancellation: If the teacher must cancel a lesson, you will not be charged for the missed time. Any credit will be applied to your next billing cycle.
Punctuality:
- Lessons start and end on time.
- If you are running late, please notify me so I can adjust the lesson accordingly; however, the lesson will still end at the scheduled time.
Communication:
- Email/text response hours: Mon–Fri, 9 AM–5 PM.
- If you reach out on weekends, please note that I do not handle administrative communication then. I will respond on the next business day.
Photo/Media Release
Occasionally, I may share photos or videos for promotional purposes. If you prefer not to be included, please let me know. Your privacy is respected.
Vocal Health & Injury Disclaimer
As a trained voice teacher, I do my best to help you maintain optimal vocal health and provide guidance for long-term care. However, I am not a medical professional and cannot control how you use your voice outside of studio time. The voice is an instrument within the human body, and many factors can affect its health.
By participating in lessons at this studio, you release the teacher from liability related to vocal injury.
If you have a history of voice problems or suspect a vocal issue, consult a laryngologist (ENT) or speech-language pathologist before continuing lessons, and notify me of any known or suspected voice disorders (confidentiality guaranteed).
If your voice becomes strained, hoarse for two weeks or more, or you experience voice loss, notify me immediately and seek evaluation from a laryngologist or speech-language pathologist. I can provide referrals to trusted professionals if needed. Please take care of your vocal instrument.
My Commitments as Your Teacher
I aim to provide:
- A weekly reserved lesson time for each student
- Lesson summaries and assignments via MyMusicStaff student portal
- Instruction in vocal mechanics, breath control, and proper vocal hygiene
- Guidance in repertoire selection, performance coaching, song interpretation, and artistry
- A professional, positive, and fun learning environment
- Teaching approaches tailored to student strengths and challenges
- Guidance on effective practice techniques
Student & Family Commitments
Students are expected to arrive on time and well-prepared, bringing all necessary materials (music, lyrics, folder, water) to each lesson. Consistent, focused practice between lessons is essential for progress.
Expectations For Students:
- Arrive on time with all required materials.
- Practice daily: 15–20 focused minutes per day is more effective than long, infrequent sessions.
- Avoid vocal fatigue: Manage rehearsal, lesson, and performance schedules carefully.
- Track practice: Check lesson notes weekly via the MyMusicStaff portal.
- Record lessons: You may record lessons (phone or Zoom) to review later. Recordings are for personal study only; please do not share or upload videos or audio of the teacher without written permission.
- Ask questions: If unsure about any assignment, reach out during or between lessons.
For Parents/Guardians (students under 18):
- Support your child’s musical potential. Consistency is key — ensure prompt arrival to lessons, encourage daily practice, and attend performances when possible.
- Encourage progress through small, consistent steps. Remember that the voice grows and matures along with the body.
- Help your child schedule daily practice and provide reminders as needed.
- Provide a practice environment that is free from interruptions (family, friends, TV, computer, or phone).
Practice Philosophy:
“Practice doesn’t make perfect—it makes permanent.”
Consistent, mindful practice is key to long-term vocal improvement.
Student Portal (MyMusicStaff)
Upon registration, students receive instructions to set up their portal account. Features include:
- View and manage upcoming lessons
- Cancel or register for lessons online
- Track practice
- Receive teacher notes and assignments
- Access uploaded resources (sheet music, warm-ups, etc.)
- Adults have access to billing and payment
Acknowledgment & Signature
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Tali’s Vocal Studio Policies.
For Parents/Guardians (for minor students):
Parent/Guardian Name: ______________________________________
Student Name: ______________________________________________
Date: ___________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________
For Adult Students:
Student Name: ______________________________________________
Date: ___________________
Student Signature: __________________________________________
Natalie “Tali” Rutkin/ Tali’s Vocal Studio
📧 Email: talisvocalarts@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.talisvocalstudio.com